Be the First Adviser of Your Advice

One of the hardest things for most people is to be the student. To apply what we teach, advise, counsel, share with others to our own lives. This is why lawyers should not be their own defense, counselors need a therapist (vice versa) & doctors make the worst patients. How frustrating & painful it is when we see others lives spiraling b/c they are their own counsel yet not applying the advice they give others. Will we miss it, sure but let's use 2016 (no, start today) to seek to always be the 1st partaker of a (life) lesson, a message, a quote or experience. 

Don't just post it for others, sit & hear the message wishing the other person was there to hear it or watch it & make it about them. Take it in for yourself 1st. Eat the whole roll & digest it 1st for you, your life, situation & your character! God allowed you to see it, hear it, read it, experience it (1st) for a reason! Believe it or not, it is something in it for you to glean & gain from as well. Learn from your lectures & pretty posts. 

Life application : End each post, message you' hear or read, etc. with: Does that apply to me, Is that me, What can I take away from this for me, What can I learn from this, etc.  Pause, think about it & digest it!  If it relates, apply  it and grow!

God sent His son (The Savior of the Word) for us to have life, to be whole and free.  Often what HE sends our way and allows us to encounter that we say, "That is good...I wish such and such was here to hear that...I hope such and so read this...Oooo this is just what they need..." the reality and truth is that often it is in part or in whole for us now or will be for us later!  Don't resist or rebel against, deny or reject Truth, God, His Word, The Holy Spirit, the Message or the Messenger HE is using for you to get it!  Ask for an ear to hear what God is saying to you - first!  Read it, hear it, receive it, apply it, live it FIRST for yourself...Then be wise in how to advise!  Seek to be the 1st partaker!  

“Therefore, in all things He (Jesus, you & me) had to be made like His brethren (first) that He might be a merciful, faithful and prudent (wise) High Priest (intercessor, Christian) in things pertaining to God, to make (be the) propitiation (full payment) for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself (first) has suffered and been tempted, He is (fully) able to aid those who suffer and are tempted. Therefore, holy brethren, (now) partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus (who experienced it & lived it first),...Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness,..."" Hebrews 2:17-18, 3:1,7,8

**********************************************************************************************************

View Relationships Rule videos at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0rpjGLhAYIzoSWZW33ykvw

Be sure to visit Dr. Tuesday's website at www.drtuesday.net  

Order her book and request a signing at http://atkpublishing.wix.com/atkpublishingwaiting

Closing Out 2015 - What I Have Learned : The Masks of Men (WoMen)

What I've learned #1...

It is one thing for a person to 'feel you' (touched by the feelings), another for them to 'get you' (live together in understanding, in all your getting get an understanding) but to 'see you' is to truly know you (you know my inward secret thoughts, you see me afar off).  People love it when you "feel" them & get them but seeing them makes most uncomfortable because it is a place of vulnerably.  It exposes parts of us we do not - are not ready to reveal. Yet, how can you have a genuine authentic healthy relationship without it.  Now, I do not mean by the 2nd date they should know everything there is to know about you.

My question for you is:  Which do you prefer: someone who feels you, gets you, see you, a combo or all.  To avail yourself to all, that means you are ready to be REAL - TRANSPARENT!  In this there is no vagueness, no secrets... withholding nothing.  The "don't ask don't tell" policy is not in effect.  They do not live by "ask me no questions - I tell you no lies."  Do not confuse someone telling you "every thing" with telling "everything".  The first tells you what (the thing(s) they want you to know.  The second is an open book...Whether they volunteer it or when asked they tell it and they answer honestly.   Wisdom of when to tell what is key.  If in doubt pray, ask God and HE will lead you.  However transparency is vital to  establishing a healthy relationship.

With every exchange, every encounter, every shared dream and past hurt and learned experienced there should be - must be a greater level of TRUTH and TRANSPARENCY!  Else what you building your relationship on are "half-truths" which are lies and often secrets that will come out - be exposed (intentionally or unintentionally) later.

Trust is built through not only transparency, but time (calendar and experience), open and honest communication (transparency), and understanding. 

I have heard people say and seen it written that acceptance is apart of the equation.  Let me touch on that.  Someone accepting us for who we are and what we have been through that often made us who we are is that is more about our respecting and not blindly accepting. Accepting you is not excusing or approving of us or our bad behavior. God, our Heavenly Father acceptances us and loves us but HE never excessed us or approves of our bad behavior (sin; against Him, ourselves or others). 

What I know:

A healthy, lasting, enduring relationship cannot be established and built on lies or secrets.  We must remove the masks.  If we do not know how, ask God to give you the courage and strength. To remove the fear.  Masks are for fun and are meant for momentary wear. They are never meant for long-term permanent wear or to be put or kept on as an accessory. They are most often seen and visible at parties and scary days, i.e.,Halloween & Masquerade Parties. They become uncomfortable after a while and must be (should be) removed. You can't breathe freely behind one. In our natural daily lives and relationship encounters, they worn out of fear; fear of acceptance, rejection, self hate, self denial. They are a deception to wearer and the receiver.  The shame or challenge is that they can be worn so long that they become natural and accepted.  Paul  L. Dunbar put it like this

When God starts or uses someone to see us it can be fearful - uncomfortable.  It exposes us.  Without understanding, this could be a curse more than a blessing.  Forgetting that if God is allowing it, it is for our good.  I believe this is more challenging for men than women.  Why?  Men want to be seen by their woman as their knight in shining armor, their hero. And to be seen; particularly by their woman before marriage can be intimidating for them.  Their reveal tends to be little by little; unlike women who can sometimes reveal too much too soon!

I have often said when people act out or change it not that they changed it was simply that what was in them came out.  What changed was our ability to see and be truthful with ourselves about what we see and witness.


What do we do
Let us seek to remove the mask and be real to ourselves and others.  Representatives need not apply. Show up as you.  No pretending or keeping secrets.  Being vague is deception and seeks deceive.  White or black - little or big lies are not ok.

Always be you - your real authentic you.  No matter the hat you are require to wear always, ONLY present the real you.  Tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth about who you are.  You past and present struggles.  Do not pull people into your masquerade     that you call life.  If you desire for your relationship to be strong and last; to weather the storms, it is imperative that trust, honesty, communication, support, fun, love, forgiveness, and transparency are the foundation of your relationship and union.

***************************************************************************************

View Relationships Rule videos at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0rpjGLhAYIzoSWZW33ykvw

Be sure to visit Dr. Tuesday's website at www.drtuesday.net  

Order her book and request a signing at http://atkpublishing.wix.com/atkpublishingwaiting

God Does ReGIft

The Challenge 

Have you ever found yourself challenged or questioning how what was a blessings has now become a burden (weighs you down, overly frustrates or stresses you, brings no peace, offers no help, adds nothing to you, oppresses or depresses you, confusion) ... What changed : you, the blessed thing (the gift of or from God) or God...Was the 'blessing' really from God (for every good and perfect gift comes from above) or a manufactured (you made it) blessing... "For the blessings of the Lord make us rich (adds to us, makes a better, may come with challenges - opposition but God gives us what we need to overcome) and adds no sorrow to it or us and neither does toiling obtain or keep it" (Prov 10:22, Amp).

In other words, when the BLESSING (the job, promotion, relationship, degree, house, car(s), etc.) is from God, toil (excessive, continuous hard labor), worry, fear, frustration, anxiety, anger, insecurity, doubt, oppression, depression, sorrow (feelings of deep distress caused by loss or fear of loss, disappointment, or a misfortune suffered by oneself or others due to a bad or emotional decision or choice) are not in it. Those things are not from God but the enemy within and or without!  Let me help us: God's blessing (what is from Him) does not change and neither does HE change.  If it was 'all that' in the beginning and through the middle, quit possibly it was from God!  The blessing(s) you rejected, mishandle, dismiss is still a BLESSING. Except now, God has to recondition it to give it to someone else to receive, appreciate, value, keep, maintain, add to, etc.  It (the blessing) could be an idea, a partner, a lover, friend, job, spouse, house, increase, opportunity, etc.

The truth is what and or who changes is us...We change our mind, feelings, our level of interest, commitment, focus, attention, gratefulness, passion, love, appreciation, desire, etc.  We take for granted the blessing God has given us.  Often we make God's BLESSING(s) - His good thing(s) a bad thing(s) because we make lifelong impacting decisions based on ever changing feelings that influence our choices.  The result is often loss, hurt and regret. We ruin, mishandle, mistreat, misappropriate the blessings!  And often damage them and or ourselves for the next.  Thank God that HE does and knows how to regift.  

The Support

Remember Matt 25; the story of the talents.  The Master took the gift - the blessing from the one who did not honor or value it's worth.  HE gave it to the one who knew how to handle a treasure - a blessing. And we cannot forget Abigail in 1 Samuel 25.  She was married to Nabal (the fool).  Her husband (Nabal) mishandled, dishonored and disrespected his position and her (his gift - blessing) and God removed him from the equation and gave her to David.  God gave her to her husband (Nabal) to honor, help him, and to help him do the right but he did not.  HE gave him chance(s) to get it together and he didn't.  HE continued to speak (thru others including his wife) to him but he didn't listen.  So, his good thing was given to someone else.  God ReGift His gift!  Yes, what God has for us is for us but we gott'a do right by it, Him, and others.  No, HE will not (every again) repent or regret His giving us a gift or blessing (for the gifts of God are without (HIS) repentance)...but we (bout) need to repent often..daily for how we handle not only our gift(s) but our lives, others, and our relationship with Him

God seeks to give each of us a good thing(s).  His desire is not to withhold any good thing from us. HE gives us time to seek Him, see it, get it together, deal with ourselves, hear Him, and obey Him to receive it.  Decide today to no longer waste time on whose fault it is, tell the truth, take responsibly, forgive, chart a difference course, and chose be diligent to respect, value, honor His gift; the  blessing that HE has given or wants to bestow upon you; including yourself and the gift of life.  If you don't know how, ask Him and HE will.  If possible and feasible, be sure to inquire of the blessed thing what is desired - necessary for it to know its level of importance to you.  

The Truth

As we close out 2015, let's reflect. Consider your ways, choices, decisions, actions...Be honest - real with yourself and others... Don't look at them only.  Let us look at us. No blame - No pointing fingers - No tit-for-tat.  Ask yourself the hard questions..."Did God reward me with a blessing (that job, house, increase in my finances, relationship, woman, man, spouse, friendship, transportation, business, opportunity, connection, etc.) and I ruined it"..."Did I change God's blessing to a burden with my stink'n thinking, wavering emotions, insecurities, past positions, prideful or selfish neglect?" 

So how do I make it "right"... what does this look like?  Glad you asked...It certainly means at a minimum, an apology & request for forgiveness and  t may mean moving on.  Or it may allow for reconciliation but either way...DO NOT go into your new year with unresolved issues & open doors of uncertainty & confusion.  

Here is a good way to know which 'right' to take:

Leave your pray (request for all the stuff you (keep) ask(ing) God to do and for and go make it right.  If possible, be reconciled.  Help us Lord see ourselves, our role and be the first partaker of our own advice or medicine. 

1. Did you make a rash, emotional decision 
2. Did you ask God before you made the decision, spoke it and moved forward in it 
3. Did you seek wise counsel or were you your own counsel
4. Has your decision brought more hurt, pain, confusion, despair, loneliness, frustration, anxiety, uncertainty, unhappiness, etc.
5. Does the thought of "your gift" being ReGifted makes very uncomfortable, jealous, etc. 
6. Looking yourself in the mirror - you now admit that you gave up - you didn't do everything you could - you didn't fight for it - you gave the devil not only a foot-hole but full access - this one was on you
7. Under close true self-examination you are forced to acknowledge and conclude that you had a good thing and blow it 
8. You have not missed a day - gone very few moments without reconsidering - thinking about the gift you gave back
9. Were there parts/aspects of the gift - the blessing you never tapped into, appreciated, use, explored, decorated...
10. Are there still dreams/goals that God spoke to you when it was good (before you changed) that are tied to that gift - blessing
11. Do you - have you experienced any regret from your decision 
12. If you had it to do over again, would you handle it - do it the same way 
13. This last one is real easy, if 1-12 are in the affirmative...Then this one is/was on you...Go and make it right!  

14. The only question God has for you is 

    Do you want - desire - believe it is My will for you to have the gift - the blessing I gave to you back...?  If yes, (and even if no) ...for your God Relationship sake here is the solution:

The Solution

• Repent; change your mind about it-the situation-the person(s)

True REPENTANCE is not feeling sorrow for yourself but sorrowful that you (knowingly or unknowingly, intentionally or not) hurt or disappointed or dishonored God (and others) and or what HE has blessed you with.  It is Godly sorrow that leads to repentance that causes us to want to make things right, do the right thing...change our behavior.  Always knowing what we can't do on our own, we can do with and through God, His Word (truth), prayer and accountability!

• Die to you - Humble yourself  
• Ask God for forgiveness 

For being unappreciative and dishonoring  Him and His gift...for being presumptuous and prideful in thinking that you know better than Him, for not asking Him what to do and how to do, for doing it your way as if HE didn't know what was best for you or have a plan for you (in that job, position  relationship, marriage, etc.) 

• If people are involved, ask them for forgiveness 
• Forgive yourself 
• Ask Him for His will and instruction - to remove fear - to make your way good and your timing right - that you are receive ...
• Then obey Him quickly and fully
• If possible (with God all things are possible), while you still have time (life, breath, opportunity, chance); go and be reconciled - go make it 'right' with them (your spouse, your manager, your pastor, your children, the love of your life, your parents, your friend, etc.) 

The Conclusion
You will know when you get there if reconciliation includes restoration and reuniting!  Be ready to do the work to regain - win back - buy back your gift - the blessing - your good thing.  After all, isn't that what Jesus did for you - for us all!  

********************************************************************

View Relationships Rule videos at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0rpjGLhAYIzoSWZW33ykvw

Be sure to visit Dr. Tuesday's website at www.drtuesday.net.  

Order her book and request a signing at http://atkpublishing.wix.com/atkpublishingwaiting

What Did God Say...

The Problem

Much of the loss, stress, failures, lack, struggles, start overs, sadness, frustration, bumps and blunders, setbacks and repeats we face are because we did not and do not pray before we act; and we do not wait until God instructs.  We either keep going when God (I repeat, God...not you) says, "Stop, wait, be still, listen (for my instruction), wait,  and obey fully)." 

The Example

In many of David's struggles, battles, fights, confusion, uncertainty, he asked God, (1 Samuel 30, 2 Samuel 2 and 5) "Should I advance, should I go up, should I attack, fight, continue, go forward?"  In all these scriptures God said, (God said - not David) "Go up, advance, move forward, take it, go get (back) what's yours." God gave David instructions on how to overtake the enemy, how to win and overcome the challenge.  In 2 Samuel 5, God gave David 2 different instructions on how to handle the same devil (enemy), different level.  The first time the enemy came at them it was because they heard David was king.  The next time, their  jealousy turned into anger because of his continuous victories (because of his obedience toward God), his success and he took all of their concubines and wives.  The second time, it was the Philistines that came after David. Once again, David asks God, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand...the Lord, he said, “You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees.24 And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” In both (all) cases God fought the battle for David and gave him the victory.

The Hard Truth

David didn't tuck his tail and run.  What kind of man, leader, warrior (husband, father, owner, partner, friend, son, leader, etc.), would David have been to not inquire of the LORD or  flee into or out of fear?  It is this quality (genuine humility, recognizing his wrong, that he needs help, he is not always right, he does not know everything, or what is best for him, those he leads or those God has given him and it is Ok) that made him a man after God’s own heart.  

The Solution

1. David sought. - inquired - ask God for instructions
2. He kept praying. 
3. He waited for God's response and instructions. - God hates quick feet...they run into trouble
4. He responded and did not procrastinate. - delayed obedience is disobedience
5. He did EXACTLY what the LORD told him to do. - partial obedience is disobedience and does not repeat you the full reward or victory    
6. He remained humble.
7. He got the victory and the spoils.
8. He worshiped God in word, song, and service. 

He didn't allow past failures, fights, foes (that same trick, scheme, habit, and struggle of the enemy) or wins to make him fear or cause him to make rash or wrong decisions.  He did not let pride come in, finding himself puffed-up because of his past victories and causing him to not seek God (help).  He did not pridefully run ahead of God without God and justify it later with, "But I thought...I just…"  He did not wave the flag of surrender because of fear of failing or of success.   

The Conclusion

The battle was already won!  The fight was fixed in his favor!  He would have lost a battle, the victory, the blessing, the witness of all he gained had he not sought God for His will, submitted to it, stood under it, stayed in it, experience it and tasted the WIN!  As it was for David, it is for you and me. God's will and his plan is for us to win...to succeed.  But WE must seek Him, stay in Him, stand with Him and serve God to see and get the victory; to have the testimony that God did it...look what the LORD (not you or I) has done!  If HE did it for me, HE can, will and is able to do it for you!  Someone needs your testimony.  Your life is a witness of His goodness to be heard, seen and read by many. 

Beloved, God wants you...His people to be winners. Victorious, strong and courageous; doing and overcoming great things and challenges for His Glory and namesake!  Aren't you tired of making the same mistakes out of your own intellect and unwise decisions?  Isn't doing the same thing the same way and  getting the same bad results called insanity?  

Choose to do things differently. Choose to do things God's way.  Seek Him to know, listen to hear and respond quickly.  Obey the whole instructions so you can have good success, powerful victory and a mighty testimony.  

View Relationships Rule video teachings at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0rpjGLhAYIzoSWZW33ykvw

Be sure to visit Dr. Tuesday's website at www.drtuesday.net.  View to order her book and request a signing at http://atkpublishing.wix.com/atkpublishingwaiting

The Enemy Without Or The Enemy Within Me: It's Real!

I do not typically take too much time to speak on, about or concerning the devil, but I hate him and all the works of him.  Anyone or thing that comes against the plan, purpose  or will of God for you, your life, family, marriage, etc. is an enemy!  And the devil is his name.  The enemy personified is behind it all.  He is such a destroyer and deceiver of the elect and the simple.

The Problem

Listen beloved, where there is confusion, strife, despair, fear, doubt, hopelessness, insecurity... God is nowhere in it!  Stop allowing him (the enemy outside of you and the one in you) to come in and deceive you; allowing him to run roughshod over your life, your soul, your body, your purpose, your destiny, where you end up making a decision and choices that impact not only your life now and for years to come but the lives of many others.

No, the devil didn't make you do it. You gave him room and access. It was the little and the big foxes that you let in your life, your mind, your home, your relationship, your business, your family, your finances, your marriage, from your past, and your mouth.  Some sneaked in past you unaware while others thrust through.  You saw it coming, but you let it in anyway. You pacified it, ignored it, made excuses for it, ran to escape from it in your work, a bottle, women, men, studies, perversion, shopping, gambling, internet (good and bad stuff) and the like.  You did everything except speak against it and did nothing about it to stop it, to protect, cover, guard and keep what God gave and blessed you with.

The Measure

How do you know if it was the enemy or God's will for you to do, say or make the choices you made? Good question.

1) Did God tell you to do it (leave the job, end the relationship, buy that house/car, separate/divorce, start/open the business, go back to school, stop taking your medicine, start that church, etc.)?

2) Did you seek wise counsel prior to doing it or were you your own "counsel"?

3) What  precipitated the transition?

4) Was it done out of fear, anger, conflict, frustration, anxiety, impatience, to prove a point, pride, retaliation, spite, to force someone's hand (a boss, a spouse, a parent, a child, etc.)?

5) Do you have real peace?

6) Do you have real joy?

7) Have your emotions associated with the decision become overwhelming?

8) Did it make ANYTHING (of or from God) better, grow, advance in your life or are you stuck, going backwards, and things seem worse?

The Solution

No guilt, no condemnation and no shame.  Own it!  Get up, get it together, humble yourself, no excuses, and no fear. Man or woman up, speak life, declare God's Word, blessings and promises over your life.  If you can, if possible...feasible, go make it right. Do not procrastinate.  Go get your life back. Get back what he stole, tricked you into giving up, walking away from, forfeiting, sabotaging, dismantling (including hopes, dreams, visions, plans, prophecies, relationships, friendships) and what was good for you from God and His will.

The Conclusion

Pray for His will, direction, timing and wisdom. This time, I pray you will listen, OBEY and do what is needed to keep it!  We pray it's not too late or beyond your reach!  God speed!


*********************************************************************************

View Relationships Rule videos at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0rpjGLhAYIzoSWZW33ykvw

Be sure to visit Dr. Tuesday's website at www.drtuesday.net.  View to order her book and request a signing at http://atkpublishing.wix.com/atkpublishingwaiting 

Back at Wait(ing)...Now What?

What to do when you are back at wait...

After you have received what you thought was your answer to prayer, your blessings, your good job, your dream house, your good "thang", then something happens and you are back at wait(ting). I pray this EXCERPT from my book "Waiting: Mastering the UnAvoidable" page 277 will encourage, bless, and strengthen you in your waiting place, for the journey to your now (present) and next (future)!

"It is the self-accusation and doubt of why you are back at wait that makes the return and the season more difficult.  What did I not learn the first or the last time that I am sentenced again to wait? What did I miss? Beloved, may I bring comfort to your confusion and the series of questions that you may be bombarding your brain with?  It very well could have been nothing wrong with you or with what you did wrong.  You took your medicine, completed your treatments, and got a clean bill of health, but here you are back at waiting on the results from a routine test.  Does that mean you did something wrong? Not necessarily and sometimes, absolutely not.  Mistakes are simply a part of the process of life; some more costly than others.  But be encouraged! If (when) Christ is in you and you are in Him, it will all work together for your good.  Healing and restoration is still the children of God’s bread.   HE still took the stripes and by His stripes you are healed physically, emotionally, mentally, etc.  

Ok, you missed it. The signs, the indicators, the flags, the blinking lights, and the warnings.  Like many of us, you were led or drawn away by your heart’s desires and emotions.  Maybe, your (lust) flesh, eyes, and appetites lead you astray.  Yes, they deceived you and everyone else.  Maybe, you did cast your pearls before that which was not worthy.  Ok, all that may be or is the case but now it is time to let it (or...him or her) go.  Stop beating yourself up.  Leave it and them there.  Remember, your past cannot tell you anything different or new.  Can you look yourself in the mirror and say, "I did my best, I did right concerning it, them or us. Where I missed it, I have or will apologize and ask for forgiveness, I forgive them and I forgive me..."  If you can do that, it is time to do like the song my little nieces sing says, "Let it go, let it go! Turn away and  slam the door." You’ve been there and through there (it) already.  No more going back in your mind, emotions, and some of you in person. In most cases, certainly without a heart and mind change (and committed to that), you will not find anything new or different in your past.  

Despite what it looks and feels like, you made it through and out!  The Bible says, "...why do you turn your back again to the weak and miserable elements (thought, habits)..." Galatians 4:9 (and I would add people).  Why are you returning, going back in any way shape or form to what God has expelled from you and released you from?  No more beating yourself up with “what if”, “why didn’t I, how could they (I), I should have seen or known better, I so...”.  Stop it! No regrets.  God can, is willing and able to give you bigger, better, greater and more.  Your next string (of pearls – your heart cries of love and nurturing) will be from fresh water.  You (your love, your heart) will be precious and highly valued (esteemed) by the one who receives you (your pearls).   In all this, all that you went through and will face in life, God’s grace was and is still sufficient.  His love, which encompasses His commitment to you and forgiveness of you, still covers a multitude of sins, iniquities, trespasses, mistakes, and wrong decisions."

Wait on the Lord. Your Next (future) will be bigger, better, greater, more than you could have asked thought or imagined. It (what you went through, lost, experienced) will be worth the wait! 

Order your copy today at http://atkpublishing.wix.com/atkpublishingwaiting 

Be sure to visit my website at  www.drtuesday.net.


Join me for one of my upcoming Book Signings (10/25 has been cancelled).

#DrTuesday 

********************************************************************************

View Relationships Rule videos at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0rpjGLhAYIzoSWZW33ykvw

BE and DO ALL that GOD Has Given To You

In one of my devotions, I ran across this paragraph and it spoke to me, as I believe it will you.

Many of us God has given lofty visions; thus HE has blessed us with multiple gifts, talents and abilities. Often making it difficult to focus on, build on, only do or be one thing. The world has a saying, "jack of all trades master of none." I would like to dispel and cast this saying out of and from the mind of Children of God. The truth is, you may not be a jack of all trades but you can and may be a person of many (talents, abilities & gifts) and be a master of all that (the ones) He has given you!

The article states:

"The Bible has more than 1,000 names, titles and metaphors for God: El Shaddai, Shepherd, King, Father, Son and Prophet are only a few of them. Each name and title of God represents one aspect of who He is, what He does, and how He functions. As a person, you are known by your given name in addition to titles, such as parent, spouse and friend. The more you are and do, the more names and titles you have. God, the creator of the universe and every living creature therein, has facets to His nature that extend beyond our imaginings, and countless names to describe each of His attributes (functions and abilities)." (Excerpt from "365 Ways To Know God: Devotional ReadingsoOn the Names of God" by Elmer L. Towns)

What I gleaned from this article was something I have always thought, believed and tried to live by...Do not allow people to limit you or tell you your vision or dream is too big, or that you cannot be or do all that - all that He has given to you.  HE gave it (all) to you and HE expects you to use it all AND be all that comes with every gift, talent, and ability! Ask Him for His plan, will, and way for your life. The challenge may be what  part to do when and how to do it.  Pray and ask Him.  He will reveal. What HE tells you to do may not be the way others have or would do it. Be open to doing things a new way or an old way with a twist.  Trust Him to release you into "it" and "it" to you; whatever HE has created and formed you to do and be...Just do it!  And yes, that may be multiple things.

However, HE releases you into it or it to you; whether it is little by little, some (more) now some (more) later or ALL at the same time, trust and rest in Him.  Simply remember that your job is to be found ready and faithful over the little that is for now.  DO NOT LIMIT GOD!  No, you may not be a jack of all trades but you can be a person that masters of all that He has given and placed in you to do and be!  It is your vision and His plan for you...Why not and why can't you master it and be a master of it!  Better a master of it than a slave to it!

A War Room Strategy - A 12 Step Strategic Approach to Spiritual Life Transformation

As many of us have had the privilege of seeing, I too set out on opening day to see the movie "War Room". I knew it was a Christian movie about prayer but what I did not know was the focus of the movie was about relationships, marriage, and family.  As I sat through the movie, I was convicted by the fact that my prayer life was not hot. It wasn't cold, nor was it lukewarm, but it certainly was not on fire. What happened? When did I stop praying for hours and studying equally that same amount of time? My prayer and study life use to be such that I could and would be in prayer and study for so long that I would lose track of time and appointments. It was a wonderful time, place, and season in my life. I saw the power and epic flow of God in my life and others and in my gifts.  Yet, on in reality I knew; so I thought, I could not continue like that. And so I deceived myself and over time allowed other tasks, goals, responsibilities (including God responsibilities) to pull me out of my place and space. Knowing that it was (is) the very thing I needed to see purpose, vision, success, accomplishment, victory.  I knew and know is found in prayer, my time with God. 

It was in and through prayer at the height of my suicidal season, God gave me a strategy, an approach to my deliverance.  This strategy allowed me to regain and retain my peace...really, my life. I cannot say I found the approach or strategy in a book or that it was what anyone (a person) told me. It was what HE (The Holy Spirit) gave me as I lived through a diagnosis that brought many mental, physically, and emotional struggles. A weakness that gave way for the enemy to come in and torment me daily.

Before the movie and our Church dedicated Bible Study to look at and discuss/study the topic of War Room and Prayer Strategies, I had never really considered the approach or strategy HE gave me. Nor had I ever taken the time to write it down until now.  Last night as I wrote these steps to share with someone, I realized there were 12 strategies that God allowed me to gain control over and use to find a breakthrough, deliverance, and freedom from my struggle and torment. Interestingly, 12 is the Biblical number of government, administration, order, rule, strategy, victory, the Angel Armies! Glory to God!!!  I love me some Jesus.  As the person said who I shared it with, "Pretty in-depth and detailed...but clear and necessary."  I agree.  For our mind to be renewed, we must be transformed in how we do and approach things and in the way of thinking about ourselves, God and the situation.  It requires a taring down or away to build back up.  I believe these steps will help you, me, us in our journey to Spiritual Life Transformation.  So to share it with you!

The truth is, this is not new or unfamiliar to any of us who have been in or through a spiritual war or battle; a battle for our mind and our soul.  We just may not have recorded the process for ourselves to remember and reflect on or revisit later or share with others.  In all honesty, we may have to use again in a future declared war/test/struggle, etc. The battle may not be our's (2 Chronicles 20:15) but the war we must be strategic and prepared to stand against (Ephesians 6:10-18).  

I am grateful for this focus that has reignited my place, position, and assignment in prayer. I have known and wrestled for months on how to get back to my place in prayer and time with God. Through this exercise (the movie, the War Room Bible Study focus and writing this out), HE has shown me. It doesn't have to look or be like how I approached it in the past. My time with Him doesn't have to be how it was or the way it was, but IT ABSOLUTELY HAS TO BE! IT IS A MUST!!! TELL ZION HER WARFARE - THE STRUGGLE IS OVER!!!

A Note to My Love - #3

Good morning Love. Thank for letting me to be me. Thank you for encouraging me, supporting me, believing in me and helping me be what and who all God has called me to be.  Thank you for accepting and receiving me - my words, my wisdom, my input, my good days and my not so good moments.  Even in our differences we are strong together and find harmony.  Thank you for every compliment, touch, and look of affection, affirmation and approval.  Thank you for being with me and for me.  Thank you that I am on your mind and your desire and pleasure is for me only.  Thank you that with you I feel and I know I am (all of me is) secure & protected.  My heart is yours and yours is mine.  Thank you for our laughs, fun times and making me smile.   Thank you for the music we make together and the ministry we do.  Thank you that we have agreed to not only make each other smile but Daddy God smile first.  All things are for His Glory.  Thank you for your passion!  And making our purpose clear.  Thank you for being a man I can follow and submit to because you have direction, a vision.  You are a leader who follows Christ and I can and choose to willingly follow and submit too.  Thank you for loving me thoroughly thru Him as yourself…and even mo’ better.  Thank you for your kindness, goodness, gentleness, and giving spirit towards me.  Thank you that I am your # 1 and I am your priority - in this I do not doubt.  With these things my love for you grows and my love wants and desires you more.  God sent you and I am grateful that I did not give up, give in or settle.  I have become the woman I am to be given you - the man I dreamed of.  It is my honor to be called your confidant - your love - your bride - your crown - your wife fo' life!  I am blessed to be your helpmate - your partner - your friend - your lover - your cheerleader - your confidant - your roadie - your wife fo' life. My life is good now and our's together will be great and grand. Preparation and opportunity have met and kissed and it is time - our time! I am moved by you to wait on and for you. I wait eagerly for you! Love you love! 

The SSHHH Effect - Single Saved Holy Hot and H _ _ _ _

What is the "SSHHH Effect?"

Don't tell nobody but, "I...want..." Then that word is dropped...horny. But what does Horny really mean?

SSHHH...

• Single – w/o matrimony, not married – includes, widowed, divorced, and never married – engaged does not = married just spoken for. 
• Saved – freed from the law of sin and death, redeemed by another’s sacrifice.
• Holy – given to or belonging to God, consecrated/set apart for/dedicated/devoted to God’s service/use, declared sacred, pure in heart (Ps 51), worthy of worship (to be worshipped for God – to do worship for us), mature (be holy for I am), moving towards/to be perfect – w/o sin 
• Hot – full of strong feelings, very eager, burning, underneath or within
• Horny – feeling of lust, Hornie = Scottish meaning for the Devil

You are running around saying, "I am sooooo horny!" Who, by the way, men do not use this term. So what you are speaking back into yourself is "I am soooooo out of control!" "I am the (of the) devil!" I charge and encourage you; Christian brothers and sisters to remove this word from you vocal! I (we) know you have desires - wants and some would say needs, but this word is not one that you should use to describe it.

The power of tongue. Watch it and get control over it. Some of the stuff you get into, is simply because you have spoken it. So, you wonder why when you have prayed and maybe even fasted to not "slip" and fall into sexual acts? You can't seem to help it or yourself - lose control! Well. you declared it with those lips of yours. You say you are HORNY, then you become that! LUST is simply a desire that is out of control.

Galatians 6:8 says, "8For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." 

Let me remind you.

1. Your desires are normal – God gave them to you. 
2. So, the issue is not the desire - it is you - that dag gone flesh.
3. We must learn to control it.

God never told you to suppress your feelings or desires, but to get some control of it and them and deny (reject, refuse) it - that flesh.

• Control – to have power and authority over, restrain, to check -- REMEMBER - the Holy Spirit is in control and will help you. 
• Suppress – to put an end to, to stop my force, to keep in, hold back, do not disclose (suppress the truth), to keep secret/silent (by force) – SHHH.

Matthew 26:41. "41Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
John 6:63, "63It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing." 

FLESH...the stuff going on underneath your skin - itching to manifest on the outside. Girl - Dude just admit it - your flesh is weak! After all these years of waiting right and then a very brief season of growing weak "in love".... I understand. But know that God can, is and will be a keeper. If you have missed it and are missing it - stop. Ask Him for forgiveness, ask Him for help and strength for yourself and the person you are in relationship with. HE will come. HE will strengthen you and HE will keep you both!

Mums the word, or the surprising feeling gives the enemy and or the flesh power to more easily operate behind and underneath the skin. This is often why so many of us struggle. You need to be accountable to someone. So how do I do I not walk in the flesh:

1. Know that it is done and you and stand against and walk in the freedom of your flesh not controlling you - it is by the GRACE of GOD in us - through the Spirit who teaches us by deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and its practice. 
2. Watch and pray 
• pray in private (over and about yourself) 
• pray in public (with each other)
• ask God to help you be strong 
• ask Him to give you the power to say no
• if you are too weak, ask Him to take away your lust of the flesh it - bring back your desire when your spouse comes and reserve it for the other side of "I Do" - this was and has been my prayer - HE has been faithful to do
3. Do not or stop putting yourself in compromising situations. 
• if U know U can't handle a dark movie with leg rubbing and neck touching - U might want to put yourself in that place and space 
• if U can't do the big Luther - u might want to stop having it playing when your date comes over. 
4. Tell the truth to someone about your struggle - be accountable to someone and tell them the TRUTH the whole TRUTH

You will and can do it. Imagine what it will be like when it is right!

*Unless otherwise noted, all thoughts, expressions, quotes, etc. are the original words/creation/conceptions of #Dr. Tuesday.